BNSS Section 54 : How Police Identify Arrested Persons .

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Introduction to BNSS Section 54

BNSS Section 54 talks about the legal process of identifying a person who has been arrested for a crime. If the police believe that someone needs to identify the accused (like a witness or victim), they can ask the court to allow an identification process. This section also ensures that if the identifying person is mentally or physically disabled, the process is done carefully under the supervision of a Magistrate and recorded through audio-video means. The main goal of this section is to help investigations while protecting the rights of both the accused and the witness.

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What is BNSS Section 54 ?

BNSS Section 54 deals with the identification of a person who has been arrested. When someone is arrested for a crime and there is a need for others (like eyewitnesses or victims) to identify the accused during the investigation, the court can order the accused to undergo an identification process. If the person identifying is disabled, the law ensures that the process is done carefully and respectfully, under the supervision of a Magistrate, and the process is recorded through audio-video means for transparency.

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BNSS Section of 54 in Simple Points

1. Court’s Permission is Needed
   If a person is arrested and needs to be identified by others (like a victim or witness), the police must first take permission from the court. The court then decides if the identification process is necessary for the investigation.
2. Identification by Others
   The identification can be done by any person—this includes victims, eyewitnesses, or anyone who can confirm the identity of the accused. This step helps investigators confirm who committed the offence.
3. Court Decides the Method
   The court decides how the identification should take place. It could be through a lineup, photos, or any other method the court finds suitable and fair.
4. Special Protection for Disabled Witnesses
   If the person identifying the accused is mentally or physically disabled, a Magistrate must be present during the process. The Magistrate ensures that the identification is done in a way that is safe, comfortable, and respectful for the disabled person.
5. Audio-Video Recording is Mandatory
   When a disabled person identifies the accused, the entire process must be recorded using audio-video means. This helps to maintain fairness and provides a clear record of the identification for the court.

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Section 54 of BNSS Overview

BNSS Section 54 states that when a person is arrested and their identification by someone else is needed for investigation, the court can direct the arrested person to be part of an identification process. This helps investigators confirm whether the arrested person is the same individual involved in the offence. If the person who is identifying is mentally or physically disabled, the identification must be done in a way that ensures their comfort and dignity, under the supervision of a Magistrate, and must be recorded properly.

10 Key Points – BNSS 54

1. Purpose of Section 54

BNSS Section 54 talks about the process of identifying a person who has been arrested for a crime. This identification is done during the investigation to confirm if the arrested person is the same individual who committed the crime. It is often necessary when someone saw the crime or the criminal. This process helps the police gather solid evidence. Without proper identification, it may be difficult to prove who did the crime. So, this section allows the use of identification methods with court approval. It ensures the investigation remains fair and accurate. The main goal is to connect the right person to the right crime.

2. Role of the Court

The identification process cannot be carried out by the police alone. The police must first approach the court and request permission. Only after the court gives the order can the identification process begin. This is to prevent misuse of power by the police. It also ensures that the identification is legally valid and trustworthy. The court may also decide the method of identification. This adds transparency and fairness to the process. It protects the rights of the arrested person too.

3. Who Can Identify the Accused

The identification is not limited to just the victim. Any person who has seen the crime or the criminal can be asked to identify the arrested person. This can include eyewitnesses, bystanders, shopkeepers, or neighbors. Their statements and confirmation can be valuable for the investigation. If multiple people identify the same person, it strengthens the case. This process helps link the accused to the scene of the crime. It increases the chances of correct judgment in court.

4. Method of Identification

The law does not fix just one method of identification. The court can decide how the identification should happen. One common method is a test identification parade, where the arrested person stands among others and the witness is asked to point them out. Other methods may include photo identification or video footage review. The aim is to ensure the identification is honest and without any pressure. The process must be neutral and free from influence. The court supervises to ensure fairness.

5. Protection for Disabled Witnesses

If the person identifying the accused is mentally or physically disabled, special care must be taken. The law requires a Magistrate to supervise the process in such cases. This is to make sure that the disabled person is comfortable and supported. They should not feel forced or confused during the process. The Magistrate ensures that their method of communication and comfort is respected. The goal is to maintain dignity and accuracy. Disabled persons have equal rights and should not face difficulty while helping in justice.

6. Audio-Video Recording Requirement

For disabled witnesses, the identification process must be recorded using audio-video equipment. This is done to make sure everything is captured clearly. It helps keep a record of what was said and done. This recording can be shown in court if needed. It protects the witness from being misquoted and also protects the accused from false claims. It ensures transparency and fairness. The presence of this recording builds confidence in the legal process.

7. Legal Evidence Value

Identification of the accused is considered important legal evidence. If a person correctly identifies the accused in court or during the investigation, it becomes strong proof. The court takes such identification seriously. But for it to be valid, the process must be conducted properly under Section 54. If the process is not followed as per the law, the identification may not be accepted. This section ensures the process is trustworthy and legally strong. So, all rules must be followed strictly.

8. Safeguard for the Accused

This section not only helps in proving guilt but also protects the rights of the arrested person. By involving the court and recording the process, it prevents forced or fake identification. If the identification is wrong, it can lead to injustice. Therefore, Section 54 ensures the accused is treated fairly and not blamed without proof. These legal safeguards help maintain balance in justice. No one should be punished without clear and honest identification.

9. Timely Process

The identification process must be done as soon as possible after the arrest. If there is a delay, the memory of the witness may fade. This can lead to mistakes or confusion in identifying the accused. A quick and lawful process ensures accurate identification. It also helps speed up the investigation. Section 54 helps the police act promptly while also following proper rules. The faster the process, the better the chances of getting correct evidence.

10. Importance in Fair Trials

Proper identification under Section 54 is a step toward a fair trial. It helps the court decide whether the arrested person is truly guilty. It supports both the victim and the accused by ensuring truth and justice. If identification is accurate, innocent people are protected and guilty ones are punished. This section makes the system stronger and more reliable. In short, identification is not just a police tool—it is a legal step toward justice.

Examples of BNSS Section 54

Example 1:

Ravi is arrested in a theft case. A shopkeeper who saw the thief is asked to identify Ravi in a lineup of 5 people. The shopkeeper correctly picks Ravi. The court accepts this as key evidence.

Example 2:

A girl with visual impairment saw the attacker in a case. She is taken before a Magistrate and allowed to identify the accused using her voice memory. The process is recorded on video for legal proof.

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Section 54 of BNSS Short Information

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BNSS Section 54 FAQs

BNSS 54

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Conclusion

Section 54 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita ensures that the process of identifying arrested persons is conducted fairly and lawfully. It requires police to seek court permission, protects disabled witnesses through Magistrate supervision, and mandates audio-video recording for transparency. This section strengthens justice by balancing investigative needs with the protection of individual rights, ensuring that identification remains reliable, respectful, and free from misuse.

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Finished with BNSS Section 54 ? Continue reading the next sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Each section is explained in easy words, with simple examples, so anyone can understand it clearly.

• BNSS Section 55 : Procedure When Police Officer Deputes Subordinate to Arrest Without Warrant
• Section 56 of BNSS : Protection of Health and Safety During Arrest .
• Section 57 of BNSS : Arrest Without Warrant and Legal Procedure .
• Section 58 BNSS : Arrested Persons Cannot Be Detained for Over 24 Hours .

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